'Pedal for Polio' set for Oct. 2

Rotary members in Western New York and Southern Ontario will participate in the second annual “Dr. Ron Mergl Memorial Pedal for Polio” on Saturday, Oct. 2. Bicyclists, other participants, donors and sponsors will unite in America and Canada to raise funds to assist in Rotary International’s goal of completely eradicating polio.

There will be two bike rides – one on each side of the mighty Niagara River, beginning promptly at 10 a.m. In addition to the two primary rides, there will be clubs across the district organizing their own events in support.

This year, the Canadian ride will start at St. David's Lions Club and will head toward the Shaw Festival Theater and return to St. David's Lions Club. The Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada is once again hosting the cycling event and a meal will be served by the Lions Club upon completion of the ride.

On the American side, the ride will begin in Hennepin Park and proceed to Fort Niagara in Youngstown, and will return to Lewiston. The Rotary Club of Lewiston/NOTL (Niagara on the Lake) will be hosting the event again at the town park.

Both bike routes are approximately 15 miles (25 kilometers).

All COVID-19 safety measures will be followed.

The Rotary District’s ambitious goal is to raise $60,000 and the raise.rotary.org/Frank-Adamson/challenge1 fundraising platform will be utilized once again. The “Pedal/Participate for Polio Challenge” was initiated by Immediate Past District Gov. Frank Adamson. Donations can be made at: raise.rotary.org/Frank-Adamson/challenge1.

The “Best of Friends” District 7090 of Rotarians and community members will pedal/participate for polio eradication with the assistance of sponsorships and donations. Rotary International is a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.

 More than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries have been vaccinated due to the valiant efforts of local and worldwide Rotary Clubs. At the present time, Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating polio. Rotarians will continue to fight against this debilitating and paralyzing disease until there are no new cases diagnosed throughout the entire world.

Adamson has challenged each Rotarian in the district to donate $50 and seek one additional donation of $50 from a friend, business or family member.

The Niagara River Greenway organization is partnering with Rotary District 7090 to make this unique fundraiser a success. Greenway’s mission is to create a world-class trail and green space network that communities can be proud of and cherish for generations to come.

For more information on how to become a sponsor, donate money, or for the “Pedal for Polio” international bicycling event, contact Adamson at 905-892-0200, email [email protected], or visit www.rotary7090.org/page/participate-for-polio.